With the Tennessee Titans’ mandatory minicamp and entire offseason program in the books, we now know at least a little bit more about Tennessee’s 2023 draft class.
However, the real evaluation will begin in July and August, when the Titans begin training camp and strap on the pads, and then take part in preseason contests.
Based on the limited information we have so far, here’s what we expect from each Titans 2023 draft pick in Year 1, and we’ll rank them based on their projected impact.
6. QB Will Levis
There have been a few positives but Levis has looked the part of a rookie trying to find his way. He’s also been outplayed by Malik Willis, who is competing against him for the spot behind Ryan Tannehill.
If this keeps up, Levis may have yet another player in front of him on the depth chart, making it even less likely he’ll see the field barring a catastrophic injury situation.
5. OT Jaelyn Duncan
Assuming he makes the cut, Duncan will start the year as a backup and only see action in the event of an injury, and even then it’ll likely take multiple. Unlike Levis, Duncan has another avenue to see the field: special teams.
4. WR Colton Dowell
It’s hard to expect much out of a seventh-round rookie wideout, but Dowell has a better chance than most to make the team and an impact on offense given the situation at wide receiver.
It’ll be a different story if the Titans land DeAndre Hopkins, but even then I’d expect Dowell to have a role on special teams thanks to his impressive athleticism.
3. TE Josh Whyle
We haven’t heard much about Whyle this offseason, which can be construed as both good and bad. Nevertheless, the fifth-round pick should be no worse than the No. 3 tight end entering the season.
Coming out of college, Whyle was thought to be a plus as a pass-catcher, and that should help garner him some snaps on offense if it holds true, especially with Tennessee’s current group of pass-catcher.
The rookie can earn himself even more playing time if he can prove to be a good blocker, something the jury is still out on.
2. RB Tyjae Spears
Putting aside my issues with this pick in the first place, I have to say I’ve been impressed with what Spears has done this offseason.
Spears has shown great work ethic in staying late at practice to work on his hands, and he has regularly been a standout at practice based on the observations of beat writers on the ground.
We still have to get through training camp but Spears has a good chance to land the Dontrell Hilliard role in his first season, which will net him some carries and looks in the passing game.
The Titans have also been moving him around the formation, and that kind of versatility will only help him see the field more.
1. OL Peter Skoronski
Of Tennessee’s six 2023 draft picks, there is only one who is projected to be a starter: offensive lineman Peter Skoronski.
A left tackle coming out of college, Skoronski is expected to slide over to left guard in his rookie season in favor of free-agent acquisition, Andre Dillard, who is the projected starter at left tackle.
But that projection is based on Dillard being the more experienced player. These two will still compete in training camp, and I wouldn’t rule out Skoronski coming out on top.
Whatever the case may be, Skoronski will no doubt be the most involved 2023 draft pick in his first season.
